Rescued from Ukraine Lioness Undergoes Critical Dental Operation
A Wildlife Rescue Center
An adolescent female lion saved from war-torn the war zone has received vital dental surgery to remove a badly decayed canine tooth caused by an infection.
The lioness was brought to The Big Cat Sanctuary in Smarden, Kent on 14 March after a campaign by director the sanctuary's leader, who collected half a million pounds to fund her and several other lions from Ukraine.
The Rescue Center
The surgery was carried out on Friday by veterinary dentist an experienced animal dentist, who has cared for hundreds of large felines.
"When I examined Lira's jaw and mouth, I could see immediately the damaged fang was severely infected," said Mr Kertesz.
He believed the infection was caused by a injury experienced over twelve months back, causing bacteria creating toxins inside the tooth.
"My philosophy is non-human dental problems need to be treated in the safest, the most conservative and most secure manner," he said.
The expert clarified that as the lioness did not need to hunt for food, extraction was the most "logical and humane option."
The Animal Rescue Facility
The rescue center reported the extracted tooth was 8cm (3.14 inches) long, with the dentist having to extract a pocket of pus from beneath the tooth and close the significant opening with multiple absorbable stitches.
He also performed a dental procedure on the corresponding top fang, which was discovered to have a similar issue.
Briony Smith, curator at The Big Cat Sanctuary, said the operation was a "complete success."
She noted the staff had observed "a small lump on Lira's jawline" but it had been impossible to assess "how serious the condition was."
"Lira will be somewhat sore to initially, but now that the infectious materials are out of her body, she will start to feel much better over the coming days," commented Ms Smith.
The successful surgery represents a significant step in Lira's recovery after her rescue from Ukraine.
